And, no, it's not just because of all the orange and black.
I've teased Alice for a while about referring to Nebraska as "home" in casual conversations. Oklahoma is "home" now, not the Cornhusker state. But, as I've mentioned recently, to some degree even that is not true.
Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Part of why I can't feel at home here on earth is because my treasure system is in direct opposition to the world's. The world says to go to college, get a degree, and work your way up the corporate ladder (60 hours a week? 70? 80?) until you achieve financial success. Along the way, use those riches (along with a lot of credit cards and loans) to buy nice cars, big houses, fancy furniture, and lots of toys (also referred to as "the finer things"). Your success in this world is in direct proportion to your ability to acquire these things.
It has been interesting to hear different people's reactions to my career change this year. Those who's treasure system is the world's have a very difficult time understanding why I would resign as vice president of a successful construction company, that I may have had an opportunity to join in ownership at some point in the future, to move, take a pay cut, and be a worship minister. From a business perspective, that is just plain stupid. And it’s pretty easy to tell by some people’s reactions that is exactly what they are thinking.
But as a disciple of Christ, both my citizenship and my treasure are in heaven. I don’t require a $300,000 house, a $50,000 company automobile, or a prestigious job title to feel like I’m somebody. My value was set when the Creator decided I was worth the cost of His one and only Son. Nothing I acquire in this world will make me worth any more, and my lack of these things does not make me worth any less.
This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
I imagine I’ll always feel like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs when I go to Norman, Oklahoma (home of the Sooners). That is most definitely NOT home!
8 comments:
Okay....finding your blog was fun until I had to read about the orange and black! UGH!! Oh Shane...whatever will we do! You see...those just aren't my colors. I will just have to wear crimson and white to every praise team practice from now on. Oh wait...does that mean I'm off the team? Oh goodness! Whatever will become of this? A competition on game days? Oh how fun this will be!!! Boy...what we will learn about each other from these blogs!!!
Glad to see you on here. We have a whole community of bloggers from church! Have fun and explore!
In reference to your posting...I do feel like sometimes we are characterized by our status...(ie, job, financial success, etc) but then again, so many times, WE are the one putting ourselves in that category. When I decided to go back to school, my main goal wasn't the dollar amount, it was the fact that somehow and someway, I want to make a difference here on earth. I know I can do that in any profession, but this is the one I am passionate about. God gives us gifts to use and it doesn't matter what our status is,as long as we are using our gifts and desires to glorify Him and lead others to Him. So many times, we put up those stero types upon ourselves without looking at the bigger picture. I am guilty of that many times!! Thanks for your post! I'm proud of your career change. It shows truly what is important in your life and that is your Lord and Savior and that you make HIM first above all things!
True, that battle occurs within our own minds at times. Sadly, I catch myself judging others by worldly standards all too regularly. I think that's part of my mind needing to be completely transformed (Romans 12:2), and that is proving to be a long process. I need to constantly ask God for His eyes as I look at others.
I'm excited that you are following your passion, Brenda. I think we're doing the same thing right now, even though they are totally different paths. You could have chosen something easier, but that wouldn't be where your heart for ministry would be fulfilled. And I know you will do great things.
However, in the end my feeling is that anyone who wears crimson and creme is obviously not concerned about social status or financial success...
Oh, wait. Did I just say that out loud? Oops. Sorry.
Let the games begin, my new Sooner friend!
Oh...Ouch!!! That hurt!!! Hitting below are we??? LOL Well...doesn't it say something in the Bible about Doing unto others...yeah...you know the rest!
And then on the the 8th Day...you know...the day after resting....God made the Sooners!
Games have begun my dear little Cowboy friend!
(this is why my husband wears Blue & Gold..Wolverines)
Actually, I think the Sooners made themselves on the seventh day.
You know, the day BEFORE they were supposed to be made.
Thus the name.
Okay - you crack me up. One of the teens has been trying to find my blog forever and accuses me of keeping it a secret. Now I'll send him to you for proof! :-)
I can't tell you how glad I am that God led you and Alice here. I really wanted someone who was amazed by God, whose own walk would enable a depth of worship that would lead and inspire me - and you do that well, already. Your sacrifice already is a fragrant offering, and one that while private in the sense that only He knows what all you have given up, is amazingly abundant in that it overflows and bears fruit in the lives of those around you who contemplate such a bold and illogical move.
The confusing looks are often most important ones as they allow the confusion to begin an internal dialogue with God, or at least with self about all they never usually question in a day.
Thanks for letting your faith in Him and your worship of Him to speak to so many. How right that you lead us, Shane. I'm so glad you are here.
You did find me....you made it easy for me.....THANKS! I do not blog a lot these days.....I still have not figured out how to post the pictures....I can be slow like that sometimes! Ignore Brenda :) JK...I am with you...my husband went to OSU....I must say though we are from St. Louis and more NFL fans, but when it comes down to it if you live in Oklahoma it is kind of a hidden law that you must be a college sports fan so if we have to choose willingly we choose OSU!
I am really glad you are here, and I feel like our church will be very blessed by you.....I cannot wait to get to know you more, and now that I know you blog....that will help, although I am one of those people who believe people including myself do not always share themselves completley on blogs in fear of judgement!.....but for now this is good enough:) Thanks for letting God lead you here.....
I'm out numbered! sniffle sniffle!
First of all, I am SO glad you guys are here!!! I knew it was a sacrifice, but after reading your post,I realized just how big of a sacrifice it was to move here. Thank you for making the sacrifice. I know God will bless you beyond your wildest dreams for listening and following. And I know He is going to bless US too!!Thanks for your example.
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